A 16-year-old driver has been charged over a car crash on 28 February that killed a teenager and injured two other occupants. Police have been investigating since a pursuit of four teenagers in an allegedly stolen SUV led to the vehicle rolling on Weir Road in Bouke at around 1:30pm. A 13-year-old and the 16-year-old were taken to Bourke Hospital, both with non-life-threatening injuries, before they were released and taken to Bourke Police Station on 1 March. Police say they were charged and remain before the courts. Detectives arrested the 16-year-old at a Bourke home on Tuesday 6 May following further inquiries. He was charged on the same day with: Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuitAggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuitAggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offencePolice pursuit – not stop – drive recklesslyNever licensed person drive vehicle on a roadClass A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45km/h – estimatedLarcenyAggravated break and enter dwelling in company intend steal less than or equal to $60000Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence – armedBe carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and aggravated break, andEnter dwelling in company intend steal less than or equal to $60000. Theyouth was formally refused bail to appear at children’s court on Monday 19 May. Police say they were alerted to a car robbery at about 11.15pm on Thursday 27 February at a Burroway Road service station in Narromine. "About 12.10am on Friday 28 February 2025, police were patrolling the Mitchell Highway, about 15km from Nyngan, when they attempted to stop the SUV," a police spokesperson said. "When it failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated however, it was terminated a short time later.About 12.45am, a pursuit was reinitiated on the Mitchell Highway, Coolabah, after road spikes were successfully deployed. "About 1.30am, the pursuit was terminated after the SUV had rolled on Weir Road, Bourke." A 14-year-old male occupant was airlifted to Sydney Children’s hospital in a serious condition, while a 17-year-old occupant died at the scene.

Gulgargambone Bowling club manager Cody Searle is very concerned about The Minns Labor Government refusing to rule out a tax hike on community clubs despite their promise ahead of the 2023 state election not to introduce any new taxes."It’s ridiculous this will hurt small clubs who support their communities," he said."We thought they paused this and with beer price tax hurting it would be very unwelcome." Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said it’s yet another broken promise that will have a devastating impact on communities particularly across regional NSW. "Clubs are the beating heart of rural communities as an important meeting place to socialise and stay connected,” Mr Anderson said. "They play a crucial role in supporting people through tough times, as we’ve seen in places like Broken Hill and Lismore in recent times in the wake of natural disasters.” The Minister for Gaming and Racing refused to rule out a tax hike, even for smaller clubs, when asked about it by Mr Anderson in question time today. “It’s disappointing the Minister could not rule out a potential increase especially after Labor campaigned on a platform of ‘no new taxes’”, Mr Anderson said.Walgett Sporto Club General Manger Jenni McKenzie said she would be in contact with Clubs NSW."We have had a big rework on our bistro and we are concerned so I will talk with Clubs NSW to find out action they are talking especially for little clubs," she said."Things like our new-look bistro draw people into the club, and we are a social club and community meeting place."The powerful NSW Clubs lobby group which puts pressure on governments is holding its Annual State Conference and gaming reforms is sure to be a major issue on the agenda.NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said "The NSW Government is ruling nothing in or out before its June Budget." 

Warrumbungle Shire Councillor Kodi Brady says a candlelight vigil to remember and share community love on Friday night for the two boys who passed away in Coonabaraban on Monday will be to show ‘harmony and reunite’.He says the vigil will be held at the Yarning Circle at Coonabarabran's Nielsen Park.People invited to bring candles or glow sticks and tell stories to ‘’ Share our love’’ from 5pm.Results on a post-mortem on two children aged 6 of 7 Sam and Max will come back from the state coroner Thursday 8 May and NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Brad Holland said their grandmother, their sole carer, faces ‘serious charges’.Police detectives were again scouring the town Wednesday for any evidence in relation to Monday’s tragic discovery of the dead children in Emu Lane.NSW Police are also waiting for the grandmother to be released from a mental health unit in Orange, when they can question her further.The case has made national headlines and those who knew them in the township have revealed happy stories about the children and they were popular at the local karate club as the community bands together."They were fire crackers, so energetic," Cr Brady saidLocal business owner Melinda Thompson  said "The community is wanting answers, what happened that these boys tragically died." 

Wednesday 7 May was National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day commemorates the lives tragically and unjustly lost due to domestic violence.Across Australia, people held vigils and other events to honour the memory of victims and raise awareness about domestic violence (DV).Sadly, a number of western plains communities commonly occupy the top of the table when it comes to rates of DV incidents per head of population so the risk to life is often front of mind. The Far West and Orana region is more than three times above the NSW average for domestic violence-related incidents.Over the past ten years there has been a 3.5% increase in domestic-violence related assaults in regional NSW.  The following table (with data sourced from BOCSAR) shows the number of reported domestic violence assaults in Western Plains App LGAs last year: LGANo. of domestic violence assaults in 2024Bogan Shire35Bourke151Brewarrina62Cobar36Gilgandra49Lachlan Shire76Narromine77Walgett193Warren48Warrumbungle Shire84 Walgett was the highest ranked LGA in the state for domestic violence incidents per capita last year. Dylan Crawley, Mission Australia Program Manager in Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Nyngan and Warren, says early intervention and community awareness are key aspects of preventing domestic violence. "Teaching messaging around healthy relationships with children and youth is essential." Mr Crawley adds that continued community awareness around domestic violence is also crucial, and further funding, especially in rural and regional areas would help victim-survivors and their families. He points to the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program as a beneficial community program that has been running in Coonamble since 2019. The SHLV, aims to allow women and children to stay safely in their own home and within their community, while the perpetrator is removed.Member of the Coonamble DV Collective on National DV Remembrance Day. The NSW Government also funds the Core and Cluster model which provides short-term crisis accommodation for women and children who are escaping family violence.Core and Cluster facilities are self-contained accommodation units (clusters) near communal facilities (core).As well as a safe place to stay, they offer access to counselling, legal assistance, education, employment support and child-friendly spaces. Minister for Women, Seniors, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, released a statement this morning, honouring victim-survivors and pledging that the state Government would take meaningful action on domestic violence. "The stain of domestic violence is felt across every community in our state and as a Government we genuinely understand our responsibility to take ongoing, meaningful action to build a safer New South Wales," said Ms Harrison. "Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been broken, because of domestic and family violence. "Today, we re-affirm our commitment to work with experts, stakeholders, community members, victim survivors and across party lines to address domestic and family violence in New South Wales." A tribute to victims of domestic violence. 103 women and 16 children were lost to violence in 2024. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you can call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

A farmer faced court in Condobolin yesterday (Tuesday 6 May) over allegations they pumped water from a creek while their meter wasn't working. The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is pursuing the farmer on six alleged offences between April 2022 and March 2024. The prosecutor will allege they took water on two occasions from Island Creek without an exemption from WaterNSW.   The creek feeds the Lachlan River. "Metering is the key to having an effective and efficient management of the state's water resources," Lisa Stockley, NRAR Director of Investigations and Enforcement. "Once notified that a meter is not working, WaterNSW will email the customer an exemption authority with an expiry date and advice that the customer must follow very carefully. "That advice includes, among other things, recording water take in a logbook while the meter is faulty and engaging a qualified person to repair or replace the meter. "The metering rules have been around for a long time now, and we want people to comply with them."NRAR Director of Investigations and Enforcement Lisa Stockley. IMAGE: NRARThe farmer could be fined up to $132,000 if found guilty on all charges and was listed for a mention at Condobolin Local Court on 6 May. The charges include: one count of taking water when the meter was not working, one count of taking water when the meter was not working, while having reasonable grounds to believe the meter was not working, three counts of contravening terms and conditions of water access licences, one count related to failing to supply documents to NRAR investigators (in breach of section 340A(1) of the Water Managment Act 2000). The regulator said they gave the farmer repeated reminders and warnings before the second alleged taking. They also allege that the farmer failed to place orders with WaterNSW before pumping, in what would be a breach of licence conditions. Ms Stockley said licence holders can continue to use the water while meter repairs are undertaken by submitting a section 91I exemption form. It's not the first matter of its kind in the Western Plains. Ms Stockley said a Wee Waa farmer was fined $25,000 after a case in NSW Land and Environment Court, concluded in June 2024, found he took water while his meter wasn't operating properly.

A man and woman are fronting court today (Wednesday 7 May) charged after allegedly assaulting police in Gilgandra on Tuesday night.Officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended a home in Gilgandra just after 10.15pm on Tuesday 6 May, to speak with a man.Upon arrival, police will allege the man ran from the home, and a foot pursuit was initiated. The man jumped several fences and was arrested a short time later on Waugan Street, Gilgandra.Following a struggle, the 35-year-old man was arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station. During his arrest he allegedly spat several times at the Senior Constable and Probationary Constable.While police placed the man inside the police vehicle a woman approached and allegedly threw an object at a window on a police vehicle, causing the window to shatter.The 52-year-old woman was also arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station.The man was charged with four counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.The woman was charged with destroy or damage property over $2000.The pair were refused bail to appear at Dubbo Local Court today (Wednesday 7 May 2025).

Lifeline Central West which also covers large parts of the Western Plains says they are fielding calls about the tragedy of the death of two young children in Coonabarabran and is working with the community.When the Western Plains App contacted Chief Executive Stephanie Robinson she said her team of volunteers were ready to throw their arms around the community."We have volunteers on the ground in Coonababran and have contacted Police, Paramedics and first responders, and members of the community and it’s a heart-breaking situation which we can help with.’’Ms Robinson says further assistance will be provided ‘’But protocols have to be in place in these devasting and tragic situations and if invited we will do everything.’’During the devasting Eugowra floods volunteers opened stalls in several areas to help those affected by the loss of life and property. Lifeline gets on the ground to support community in Eugowra after the devastating 2022 floods. IMAGE Farren Hotham‘’We want to be where our communities need us to be caring and positive in their worst times."NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Brad Holland says "Young police and paramedics were hit hard by the confronting scenes at Emu Lane where the children were found."He says Police are waiting on postmortems on the children before talking further with the boy’s grandmother who is in a mental health unit in Orange. "The details expected to be known Thursday May 8."If this story has raised any personal concerns contact Life Line on 13 11 14.

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has released their 2024 Global Truck Driver Shortage Report.   It revealed that there were nearly 28,000 unfilled heavy vehicle driver positions across Australia in 2024.According to IRU data, 47 per cent of drivers in Australia were over the age of 55, and more than 21 per cent of drivers are expected to retire by 2029.  The industry's workforce shortage is already impacting supply chains around the country. Longtime Coonamble-based truck driver Robert 'Octo' Thomas, said he wasn't surprised by the statistics.   Mr Thomas pointed out the barriers to entry for young people, including financial cost.  "It's too hard for the young fellas to get into. There's all these rules are regulations and the expense of it is too much.   "That's why the young blokes don't take it on, it's too hard in the transport industry."  To become a truck driver, applicants need to have held a C class car licence or equivalent for at least two years.They need to pass a computer-based Heavy Vehicle Knowledge Test (a $64 fee) before completing a Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA) to get a Heavy Rigid Licence, which allows you to drive a vehicle over eight tonnes equipped with three or more axles.  The HVCBA is not done though Service NSW the same way a driver's licence is—it's only available through a registered training organisation.These organisations set their own fees for the training aspect of the course. But applicants still have to pay Transport for NSW a $32 HVCBA participation fee and a $10 logbook fee. Heavy Rigid courses can range between $700 and $1500, depending on the provider.   To drive a truck with a semi-trailer and other heavy combination vehicles, after getting a Heavy Rigid license, drivers need to complete a Heavy Combination Unrestricted (HC) licence course.  HC courses can range between $1500 and $2950, depending on the provider.   On top of that, renewals for a National Heavy Vehicle Driver licence can only be done for one, three, or five years at a time. There is no option for ten-year renewal like there is for a NSW driver licence.   Twenty-five-year old truck-driver Evan Jackson said it was more than just cost preventing people from becoming truck-drivers.  "It's just a dying art really. It's just of those things that people don't sort of have a passion for."   Jackson's passion for trucking stems from his father, who is also a driver and has been trucking for 32 years.However, he also recognises the issues within the industry.   "You work long hours and spend weeks away from home, and people don’t like to be away from home.   "I suppose it's just a hard job really."   National Road Transport Association CEO, Warren Clark, thinks the Government needs to step-in.   “This is a global problem, and the Australian Government must demonstrate national leadership by addressing the local driver shortage and improving road safety.  “We need a Road Freight Workforce Action Plan including a national Truck Driver Standard, licensing and training reform and a consistent truck driver apprenticeship across all states and territories."  

A 66-year-old grandmother is in a mental health unit in Orange after being moved from Dubbo Hospital has self-inflected wounds.Police say she faces serious charges and can expect to face charges on two counts of Murder, following a police investigation.Homicide detectives from Surry Hills from Sydney visited Coonabarabran to further question the woman after what was understood to be a request from a neighbour to the Department Community and Justice to do a welfare check.Police then tasked to visit the Emu Lane home where they discovered the bodies of two boys aged 6 and 7 on Monday (May 5).Police said they forced entry into the house following a concern for welfare.They found the body of the six-year-old boy in a front room before finding the boys' sole carer, who police say was distressed and had attempted self-harm. A further search revealed the seven-year-old's body.The grandmother was taken to the local hospital and placed under police guard.The tragedy has received national media attention. IMAGE: River McCrossenPolice Western Region Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said the family moved to Coonabarabran from the Central Coast about 11 months ago and that the boys had been in her care for "some time."He also said the woman had been known to police, although not adversely, through a previously reported matter."Body-worn cameras were activated at the time. She spoke to police about what had taken place and what had occurred in the house at that time. That information is being included in the investigative process," he said. "I would like to really commend the young officers involved. The scene would have been confronting and, knowing that they have been impacted by that, we are making sure that they are receiving the support they need through our counselling services and through our chaplains."Detectives are still taking statements from witnesses and other people around town who have known the family for an extended period of time. At this point, the post-mortem for the two young boys is scheduled for Thursday morning and will likely go ahead at that time. That will give us a confirmed cause of death, which at this stage has not been identified."If people are dealing with mental health issues, they need to make contact, they need to get support, they need to get the proper counselling that they require and obviously speak out."The parents have been informed.An ABC reporter on the ground told ABC 24 TV she talked to parents of other children who were in tears in townSocial Media was inundated with support for the children and the community ‘’Fly with angels, hearts are broken.’’NSW Premier Chris Minns said "The state is in mourning."Member for Barwon Roy Butler said "The death of any child is always devastating in a small community, in a small town where everyone is connected it hits the community even harder."My heart goes out to the people of Coonabaraban in this time of grief and loss."Grief counselling is being given to children, parents and teachers at the local public school.A local chaplin offered help on the scene of the incident and continues to provide support. Police say they will speak to the grandmother once she is released from the mental health unit.Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District are now investigating the circumstances of the deaths under Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad. 

A teenage male was airlifted out of Coonamble on Sunday afternoon 4 May after suffering a serious self-inflicted hand injury during a domestic incident. The Western Plains News app understands he approached a residential property in the township where he smashed a front window with his fist. In the process his arm was cut by the glass, causing serious lacerations and bleeding. He was taken to Coonamble Multipurpose Health Service, where he was stabilised by hospital staff.The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked at 3pm to transfer him John Hunter Hospital where he was expected to undergo surgery and remains in a stable condition. No other people were reported injured.

NSW Police have advised that a woman has been taken into custody in Coonabarabran after two children were found dead today, Monday 5 May.Police attended a home in Coonabarabran just after 2pm today following reports of a 'concern for welfare'.Upon arrival, police located two boys - aged 6 and 7 - deceased inside the home.The woman – aged 66 – was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for further assessment where she remains under hospital guard.The woman and children are known to each other.A crime scene has been established.There is no ongoing threat to the community. Police are not looking for anyone else.NSW Premier Chris Minns has released a heartfelt comment in the wake of the discovery."What has occurred is terrible and and a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them," he said."I cannot begin to image the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends and teachers."I thank the local officers who attended the scene for their professionalism and bravery in the face of such a terrible event."Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District are now investigating the circumstances of the deaths under Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The Prime Minister has held his first media conference saying Labor ‘’is here for Australians.’’Mr Albanese has talked with US president Donald Trump as he tries to sway his opinion on tariffs which affect Aussie beef and lamb.In Gunnedah newly elected Nationals member Jamie Chaffey said he would get to work on the many issues effecting the Parkes electorate.Speaking today, Monday 5 May, Mr Chaffey said "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the Parkes electorate."Over the last 9 months of the campaign I have met so many incredible people, and I would like to thank everyone who gave me their vote and supported me during the campaign."This includes Mark and Robyn Coulton, and we thank them for their tireless service over the last 17 years for the Parkes electorate."Mr Chaffey started election day at Barmedman, the most southern booth in the seat of Parkes, before travelling to Dubbo to cast his vote, with his wife Judy. Mr Chaffey then made his way to Gunnedah, dropping into as many booths as time would allow including Mendooran Central School, Coonabarabran High School, and Mullaley Primary School, before finishing at the Gunnedah PCYC. Mr Chaffey was joined by his wife Judy, their four children, their partners and grandchildren, Mark and Robyn Coulton, and loyal supporters to watch the results come in at a function in Gunnedah. Jamie Chaffey celebrated with supporters in Gunnedah on Saturday night. IMAGE SUPPLIED. "To the other candidates, thank you for putting your hand up for your community and your nation," Mr Chaffey said."We may have different ideas, but I do believe we are all just trying to make our country a better place for future generations."Once the polls are declared I will get to work to fight for every single person in the Parkes electorate to make our area an even better place to live," Mr Chaffey said. "Although we have had the result we hoped for in Parkes, it has been a disappointing result overall, and I'm concerned for what that will mean for our country."But there is no doubt we still live in the best country in the world and I'm incredibly honoured to be entrusted with this great opportunity to represent the people of the Parkes electorate," Mr Chaffey said. As final counting continues, he has 62.98 of the votes on two party preferences ahead of Labor’s Nathan Fell,.One Nation’s candidate Mark Carter is pleased with swings in some booths of over 6% with Party boss Pauline Hanson paying credit to him.‘’We are a real force still and Mark showed people believe in what we can achieve for them.’’  

NSW Far West SES commander Stephen Leahy says a large force of volunteers have landed in Wilcannia ahead of rising flood waters. Helicopters, rescue boats and medication are being brought into the area.‘’We are in the air and on the ground delivering essential supplies together with high clearance vehicles,’’ he said.‘’A field station begins in Wilcannia on Monday while a Dubbo operation centre is focusing on Bourke where flood waters have peaked at 10.64m but a number of our field team is in Wilcannia this morning.’’He is asking farmers to look after live stock and for communities to stock up on food.Two new gauging points are being installed at Talyawalka Creek to track water flows, however, modelling says 800 to 1200 gigalitres will come in the Central Darling Shire in May and June.He says there are currently 7 advice warnings in place for the Far West.Minor flooding is expected to continue around Louth and Tilpa has a moderate warning with heights of 10 metres.SES workers are on the ground across the far west. IMAGE: SES‘’Engonnia has fallen below the moderate level and at Ford Bridge water has fallen," Leahy said.The Central Darling Shire Council has advised motorists to take care on roads. "Motorists are asked to take care on the roads and to look at the Council website, live traffic and SES Facebook."Motorists asked to watch for pot hole and structural damage."

Over 500 people will roll into Bourke today, Monday 5 May for an official stop at the trice-a-year Shitbox Rally. Riding in vehicles worth no more than $1500, teams from across Australia will stay overnight as part of a 3600-kilometre journey between Canberra and Townsville to raise money for the Cancer Council. It's the first time the shitboxers have made an official stop in the town since the rally began in 2009. One of the teams is Coonamble duo Teena Hodder and Anita Murray, who are flexing their 2000 Ford Falcon 'Edna.' "She's got a heart of gold, this thing," Anita said. "She's got a few rattles in her."The route the rally is taking this month. The faded lines indicate the old route before flooding in Queensland. SOURCE: Shitbox Rally The rally will also pass through Brewarrina, Goodooga and Bollon on the route between Bourke and Mitchell in southern Queensland. So far, the Autumn rally has raised over $2.2 million, with a goal to reach $2.5 million by the end of the seven-day drive beginning on 3 May. The money is allocated to cancer research programs across the country. Shitbox founder James Freeman said the ride usually injects $100,000 into the towns they stop in. "To be an official stopover, it's a pretty big deal because we look at which townships we feel comfortable enough with to work with," he said. "They'll have a lovely dinner and a few drinks at the bar, then from there they'll have a good night's sleep. "We're extremely grateful for the council and the community for helping us on this particular rally given the fact that we've had to do the re-route." Flooding in Queensland forced the rally to reroute to Bourke about five weeks ago after the original route through the border town of Birdsville was cut off.  Bourke will also be an official stopover during the Spring Shitbox Rally this year.  Riders are expected to park at the town's showgrounds.

The new Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has celebrated with his supporters in Gunnedah thanking his large army of supporters on Saturday night 3 May.But it was ‘bitter sweet’ with Chaffey admitting his excitement was soured by the Liberal National Party decimation across the country.The final swing against the Coalition in Parkes looks to be going with the national trend."I will do everything to improve services in local health care, aged care and children’s care and a lot more needs to be done on our roads," the former Gunnedah mayor told his supporters.So far Nats leader David Littleproud has retained his seat along with New England’s Barnaby Joyce.More counting on Pre-Poll continues Monday with still a number of Parkes booths to be counted as well.On the Two Party Preferred vote, which is based on the top two candidates considered to have a chance to win, there were swings to Labor’s first-time candidate Nathan Fell in the seat of Parkes."It almost feels like a win and showed people in this vast electorate were looking for options to not vote for the Nationals," Mr Fell said."I’m not going anywhere and hope to help people still.‘’I am buoyed by some large swings to me and Labor in Lightning Ridge and Walgett, Forbes.’’This was Greens candidate Trish Frail's second run at federal parliament.She has received a small swing to her and has been thanking the region's supporters, but her leader is in danger of defeat in his seat of Melbourne.One Nation party aspirant Mark Carter also received a 5.97 per cent swing to him and as of lunchtime today (Sunday 4 May) was running third in the overall vote tally with 13.69% of votes counted to date.In Binnaway on two party preferred the Nats candidate received 323 -216 vote a swing of 3.98 per cent to him.In Cobar, Fell did well getting a 7.43 per cent swing so far and recording minor swings following the national trend in Coonamble, Coonabarabran, Lake Cargellico, Mendooran , Trangie and Wilcannia.Votes from 11 polling booths within the Parkes electorate are yet to be counted, along with pre-poll and postal votes, however there is little chance that these will topple the Nats from the seat.Chaffey soon heads to Canberra but will still watch on pre- poll votes and results of other booths which will be counted on Monday. 

As the votes continue to be counted it looks increasingly as if the poll predictions were correct.The words 'landslide' and 'wipeout' are being bandied about when it comes to Labor's victory over the Coalition.While the decisive win by Anthony Albanese's Labor team is cemented, it seems certain that Jamie Chaffey will take the seat of Parkes for the Nationals.As the vote counting continues there are still other stories to be told, even here in Parkes.Naturally, preferences and even postal votes will still have a part to play but a Nationals win in Parkes looks secure.The headlining 'Two Party Preferred' count shows Chaffey with around two thirds of the vote ahead of Labor's late-comer Nathan Fell.However, the landscape looks to have shifted with minor parties stealing more of the vote from the big two.Proportion of first preference votes in Two Party Preferred tally as at 8am Sunday 4 May. SOURCE: AECIn the latest tally, the majority of first preference votes counted in Parkes have gone to the Nationals as predicted.Results are still yet to be returned for14 of the 116 polling places, so things could change somewhat.But the swing away from the Nats has been significant, with candidate Mark Carter of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party less than 6000 votes behind Labor as of 8am Sunday 4 May.The Shooters, Farmers, Fishers and The Greens have also made their mark.The first round of counting with 14 of the 116 polling places yet to return their results. SOURCE: AEC The counting of preferences could see a shift but it looks like Jamie Chaffey will take a seat at the table.With Peter Dutton losing his own seat of Dickson to Labor, Chaffey will be walking in to vastly different territory in the new parliament.

Nationals candidate Jamie Chaffey is heading to Parkes and then to Dubbo to vote in the 2025 Federal seat of Parkes.The final day of polling is underway and many will be wondering if the large electorate has any surprises in store.The latest and last You Gov poll has indicated Nationals candidate Jamie Chaffey should win the seat of Parkes by a large margin on two party preferred 67 to 33 over Labor’s Nathan Fell.Chaffey, if the National Opinion Polls are realised, will have to work from the opposition benches.‘My wife Judy is coming with me and I will visit as many booths as I can and finish the day in Gunnedah," Chaffey said Ii his final pitch speaking in Parkes."I’ve had the most amazing privilege meeting some amazing people knocking on 24,000 doors and travelling over 36,000 kms.’’Jamie Chaffey at West Wyalong. IMAGE: FB‘’People are concerned with the 3 C’s, childcare, healthcare and aged care and when you leave town its about roads and telecommunications. "The Nationals have a plan for real cost of living , including cheaper fuel, up to $1200 in tax relief and a plan for affordable power.’’ Labor’s Nathan Fell says the campaign has been enjoyable even in the face of a crushing defeat.‘’People across the electorate have been warm and theres a lots to do to help our communities so I will continue to fight if Labor is re-elected tonight," said Fell. "As a local voice for the Parkes electorate to keep the pressure on the Nationals. ‘’Nathan Fell in Broken Hill. IMAGE: FBGreens Trish Frail is hoping to see voters flow through from disaffected people frustrated by the stranglehold the Nats have on the seat.‘’There is so much that needs to be done for people across this electorate and wouldn’t it be great if this seat became closer and marginal," she said.Shooters, Fishers, Farmers Steven Pope believes many have had enough of the big parties and he wants voters to consider changing their vote.

Spectators heard the sound of an over 400-year-old viola as the Warren Chamber Music Festival rolls through the shire this week. The New Zealand String Quartet's Gillian Ansell played the hand-crafted instrument in Warren at a sold-out opening concert on 1 May. Performances are taking place over four days across Nevertire, Collie and Warren and include world-class musicians as well as Warren's very own SING community choir. "The age of the wood, the lacquer, the design, it sounds like velvet," organiser and violinist Frances Evans said. "There's a reason why 400-year-old instruments still exist and it's because they were truly exceptional from the beginning." Instrument-maker Nicolò Amati crafted the viola in 1619 in Cremona in northern Italy.Much of it's history remains a mystery, according to the New Zealand String Quartet's website, although a family crest carved into it indicates the influential Medici family likely commissioned it. The family crest. The Medici family were a banking and political dynasty that held power in Florence and Tuscany in the mid-1000s. The New Zealand-based Adam Foundation loans the viola to the quartet. "I hope that the concerts celebrate what it is to have beautiful, artistic experiences in our incredibly scenic, sacred and special landscape in rural NSW," Ms Evans said. "I really hope people feel inspired, and I hope that people feel expanded, both in their hearts and in their knowledge and in their experience." The event began in 2021 and Ms Evans said at least 600 spectators have so far bought tickets across the four days this year.

 The Coalition has previously opposed fee-free TAFE, voting against legislation to extend it a few days before the election was called.  With voting tomorrow, local candidates who responded to our calls expressed their views. Fee-free TAFE was originally introduced in 2023, under the 12-month Skills Agreement. Between January 2023 and June 2024 the federal Government worked with states and territories to deliver 180,000 fee-free TAFE places. The agreement now falls under the Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement (FFTSA).  Free TAFE is designed to encourage people to undertake education and training in priority areas, such as:  Care (aged care, childcare, health care, disability care) Technology and digital Hospitality and tourism Construction Agriculture Sovereign capability  VET workforce   Of the 180,00 places delivered between 2023-4, 35,500 of those were in early childhood education and care, 35,000 in construction, and 131,000 in care and support roles.    Free TAFE is also designed to help Australians from priority groups, including:  First Nations Australians Young people aged 17–24 People out of work or receiving income support Unpaid carers People with a disability Women facing economic insecurity  Women undertaking study in non-traditional fields  As of January 2025, Free TAFE enrolments have included 197,700 regional and remote students, 44,400 people with disability and 34,100 First Nations people.  However there has been criticism around how many courses were made available in regional areas like the western plains.Nathan Fell, LaborLabor candidate for Parkes, Nathan Fell, said fee-free TAFE was critical to filling gaps in labour shortages and would ultimately benefit the Western NSW community.    "In areas like Broken Hill, Bourke, and Walgett, the smaller communities really struggle with tradespeople for things like plumbing, getting wiring done and having air conditioning installed," said Mr Fell.    "We have a very noticeable skills shortage, and free TAFE is helping to fix that.   "We've already seen a massive benefit to the community in Parkes, where people have enrolled in more than 4,700 courses.    Making TAFE free has unlocked opportunities for people all over the region. This is real support for people wanting to attend TAFE who might otherwise not be able to afford it."   Nationals candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, says the Coalition does not oppose TAFE, however they see Labor's fee-free program as ineffective.    "We don’t oppose TAFE, we respect that public training providers have a role to play in our VET system," said Mr Chaffey.      "We have put forward a positive plan to back Australians who want to learn a trade, build a career, and contribute to our national success.    "Labor said their Fee-Free TAFE program would fix skills shortages and skill more Australians. But it just has not worked.     "The problem is Labor’s Fee-Free TAFE program is badly designed and poorly targeted. It has delivered a completion rate of only around 18 per cent."  Jamie Chaffey, Nationals  The Coalition's plan to tackle skill shortages involves increased support for technical colleges, business and apprentices. They plan to deliver 12 new national Australian Technical Colleges to increase the number of people doing school-based apprenticeships and traineeships across the country, specifically construction, plumbing, electrical, and other high-demand trades. Coalition policy also includes incentives to take up apprenticeships, such as a $12,000 payment for small and medium businesses to support the wages of new apprentices and trainees and between $5,000 and $10,000 in incentive payments on top of wages for new apprentices and trainees.  Maurice Davey, candidate for Parkes with the Family First, said the party did not have a specific policy on free TAFE, but emphasised the importance of education for young people.   "Reducing the exodus of particularly young people from rural areas is a huge issue. Access to TAFE and University education must be a priority, and affordability is certainly an issue," said Mr Davey.    Preliminary data from January 2023 to September 2024, shows more than 110,400 students completed Fee-Free TAFE courses.